‘There is another way forward in life’: Man who turned away from life of crime shortlisted for award

An entrepreneur has been shortlisted for a “Young Hero” award after turning away from a life of crime.

Osmond Gordon-Vernon, 24, grew up on the Winstanley Estate in Battersea, and faced pressure to join gangs which led him to struggle in school.

But aged 14, in 2013, he joined a pilot project run by Battersea Arts Centre called The Agency, which assists young people who have an idea for positive social change.

Mr Gordon-Vernon said: “I gained confidence and learned how to speak up for myself as part of this project.

“I’ve tried to use my opportunities to show other people from my community that there is another way forward in life.”

He developed a board game, Life Is What U Make It, based on his own experiences, to help other young people understand the consequences of making certain decisions.

Mr Gordon-Vernon wanted to connect with them in a relatable way, so they could make positive life choices rather than succumb to crime and gang culture.

Mr Gordon-Vernon secured a grant from The Agency, which has received more than £1.4million of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund since 2015.

Over the summer, a panel made up of representatives from The National Lottery and partners will decide the winners in each of the award categories including Young Hero, Heritage, Sport, Environment, Arts Culture and Film and Community and Charity.

Winners will be revealed in autumn and will receive a £5,000 cash prize for their organisation.

Jonathan Tuchner, from The National Lottery, said: “The National Lottery Awards honour those who have stepped up and have gone the extra mile to make a difference in their communities, especially during these challenging times.”

(Picture: Olalekan Victor Oderinde/OVO Gallery)